January 2026 marks the launch of the Longfellow Emerging Artist Fellowship (LEAF) – a new initiative from One Longfellow Square created to support the artistic and professional growth of Maine’s emerging musicians. From over 70 applicants across the state, five fellows were selected to form the inaugural 2026 cohort.
Launching in January 2026, these five fellows will receive mentorship, creative development, financial support, and multiple paid performance opportunities — including festival appearances, workshops, and a culminating headlining show at One Longfellow Square.
🌿 Meet Our 2026 Fellows 🌿
Thomas Charles Clukey
Melvin Gradiz
Lolabelle
Heather Lynn
Sigrid Sibley
Thomas Charles Clukey
Genre: Americana, Country
Thomas Charles Clukey grew up in rural Maine, where music first found him through classic country radio, school bands, and time spent singing with his dad. Though he spent years working with his hands in welding and manufacturing, songwriting remained a quiet constant in the background. In recent years, that spark has grown into a full-blown pursuit—leading to award-winning songs, local performances, and the release of his first singles as he works toward his debut album.
Melvin Gradiz
Genre: Funk, R&B
Melvin Gradiz was born in Miami, Florida, and has been drawn to music for as long as he can remember. In recent years, he’s fallen in love with songwriting and releasing music independently. He recently formed the Melvin Gradiz Band with drummer Gary Lowell and bassist Randy Runnels and is excited to see the music that emerges from there.
Lolabelle
Genre: Indie-Rock
Lolabelle is an alt-rock band hailing from West Buxton. A group of neighbors gathered in a shared basement in 2024, bringing together the unlikely pairing of musicians from the diverse worlds of opera, jazz, indie rock, and grunge. Over the past year of performing the band’s sound has evolved, combining heavy hooks with strong vocals. The result is a dynamic and dense live show that’s both bittersweet and deeply visceral. Lolabelle is Stephen Bennett (guitar), Kurt Fedora (bass), Gene Gill (drums), and Caroline Homer (vocals/guitar).
Heather Lynn
Genre: Folk, Singer/songwriter
Heather Lynn creates music that melds humor, nostalgia, and vulnerability. With a deep love of curiosity, Heather’s songs move through different genres and textures. Her performances have been compared to the likes of Patsy Cline, Weyes Blood, and Feist. Heather currently lives in Portland, Maine where she works as a music teacher. Heather performs her original music solo and with her bandmates throughout New England.
Sigrid Sibley
Genre: Folk, Bluegrass
Sigrid Sibley is an emerging singer-songwriter in New England and a native of Poland Spring, Maine. Her music draws on common folk themes and has musical roots in bluegrass, Americana, and traditional music. Her debut album, Old Faithful Dreams, featuring 12 original songs was released in May 2025.
About the Applicant Pool
Interest in LEAF’s first year far exceeded expectations, with applications pouring in from across the state. Musicians of all backgrounds, ages, and styles shared their stories and sounds, revealing just how vibrant and diverse Maine’s creative community truly is.
🌱 70+ Applicants
Over seventy musicians submitted to be part of LEAF, reflecting strong excitement and passion from Maine’s creative community!
🌱 40 Towns · 11 Counties
Applications came from every corner of the state – from coastal hubs and rural towns to population centers like Portland, Lewiston, and Bangor.
🌱 Ages 19–85 (Avg. 35)
Artists across seven decades applied, representing emerging voices and experienced creators who continue to grow and evolve in their artistry.
🌱 68 Genres · 71 Instruments
From Folk and Americana to Jazz, Electronic, Classical, and beyond — the music spans a broad spectrum of influences and tools, showcasing the diversity of sound in Maine.
The Selection Process
Each application was carefully reviewed by OLS staff for eligibility and then scored through multiple rounds by a volunteer panel of 22 arts professionals and community members. The review team brought together perspectives from across Maine’s creative sector, ensuring a fair and thoughtful process that celebrated the wide range of artistry represented.